Bonhams Returns to Reims-Gueux Grand Prix Circuit with Exciting Line Up of Cars

1996 Aston Martin Sportsman. Photo: Bonhams.

LONDON.- After the success of last years auction, Bonhams announced the second sale of Fine Motor Cars and Automobilia at the 'Weekend de l'Excellence Automobile' held on the former site of the French Grand Prix circuit of Reims-Gueux on Saturday 11th September 2010.

Amidst the rich history of the site, the weekend event celebrates classic cars and motorcycles with Bonhams auction taking place amongst the spectacular demonstrations and aerial displays.

Very rare to the market is a highly desirable Aston Martin Sportsman shooting brake. One of only two cars manufactured in 1996, and entirely hand manufactured in aluminium, this sought after model is estimated at 400,000- 500,000.

One of the most famous cars in the world, a 1965 Aston Martin DB5 Vantage, is also one of the top lots. This beautifully presented car is one of only 17 left-hand drives manufactured to Vantage specification with a manual 5 speed transmission and has only had two previous owners. It is estimated at 300,000- 400,000.

A 1957 DB2/4 MKII Drophead Coupe, estimated at 140,000- 180,000, represents a fantastic opportunity to acquire one of the rarest post-war Aston Martin models, which was created to cater for sports car enthusiasts with a family. This particular car with full ownership history was the last to be completed on the DB2/4 MKII chassis and has been used on several long European tours where it has always performed faultlessly.

A further highlight is a 1986 Aston Martin Volante, described by former Chairman Victor Gauntlett as, 'a stylish thoroughbred, beautifully built, luxurious, fast and immensely safe,' the V8 was built in several variants, one of the more exclusive being the Volante convertible which was also ranked as one of the worlds fasted convertibles. It is estimated at 75,000- 100,000.

Bonhams is also delighted to present an as new 2001 Ferrari 550 Barchetta Pininfarina estimated at 125,000  175,000. To mark the world renowned Carrozzeria's 70th Anniversary in 2000, Ferrari supremo Luca di Montezemolo invited Sergio Pininfarina to submit designs for a front-engined roadster embodying the spirit of past Ferrari Maranello classics. Choosing the 550 Maranello coupe as the basis, the maestro proposed a return to the traditional barchetta style.

Only 448 cars were manufactured, each individually numbered and carrying a plaque inside with its own serial number and Sergio Pininfarina's signature. The result was an instant classic, with production reserved for a handful of faithful Ferrari clients including the owner of this immaculate example, the 264th produced.

Further entries range from a 2005 Ford GT, one of 101 cars delivered new to Europe, through to a 1948 Pontiac Woodie to a brace of concours condition Chevrolet Corvette roadsters from 1957 and 1958.